Systems Analyst

Career Overview

Systems Analysts are professionals who are the middle men between the tech and the business sides of a company. They help organizations to use technology effectively after doing a cost-benefit analysis and recommend strategic changes to increase productivity, reduce costs and accomplish other organizational objectives.With technology stretching every area of businesses from healthcare management to recording employee payments systems, the job of a Systems Analyst has evolved rapidly reflecting new areas of specialization and changes in technology. Some Systems Analysts work in setting up hardware and software to increase computer productivity while others act as system developers or system architects. Most Systems Analysts specialize in a specific type of system such as business systems, accounting systems, financial systems, or scientific systems. Nearly every business and organizations aims to adopt increasingly sophisticated technologies that also means better productivity and the need for these professionals will continue to rise in near future.Following are the important tasks of a Systems Analyst:

Analyzing the computer and technology based needs of a company

Researching new systems

Preparing a proposal for new systems

Designing a system

Installing and implementing a new system

Getting rid of bugs and glitches

Communicating with colleagues

Salaries and Job Outlook*

Median Annual Pay

Number of Jobs

Projected Growth Rate

Most Systems Analysts are employed by large companies for their extensive experience to enhance the impact of technology on company performance. Banks, hospitals, insurance companies, and government departments are some of the biggest employers. A small proportion of these professionals also choose self-employment. With complex technology implemented across all organizations, demand for systems analysts will remain strong and hence enjoy a positive job outlook. Importance of Cyber security and protection of electronic information has further augmented the job prospects for System Analysts.The average pay scale of a System analyst ranges between INR 6.0 lacs p.a to 7.0 lacs p.a. Analysts with good business skills who move into more strategic business development roles enjoy higher pay.

Education and Training

Degrees Required:

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or M.I.S.

A Bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems (MIS) is an ideal major to enter this field. Most companies look for higher degrees such as masters in MIS. As the field is constantly evolving System Analysts need to keep themselves up-to-date on the latest innovations in technology, and can earn relevant certifications while on job.While earning an IT degree, applying your skills on the job through an internship or other employment will add a boost to your resume and could lead to better career opportunities.

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Valued Traits & Abilities

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Computer Skills

Creativity & Innovative

Teamwork Skills

Leadership Skills

Career Opportunities

Job opportunities for System Analysts are strong and offer a wide variety of career options. Almost all organizations rely on robust information technology to make sure operations runs smoothly. System Analysts are the heart of these IT tasks. Organizations including governments, insurance companies, financial institutions, business management systems, merchant wholesalers and consulting firms offer the highest employment. The health care industry's increasing use of information technology has also created multiple opportunities for System Analysts. Most System Analysts with leadership ability and good business skills move up to management positions in the organization.Some of the career opportunities for system analysts are:

Software Quality Analyst

They are responsible for applying principles and practices for software quality assurance through testing, analysis and observation. They ensure standards are met; defects are reported and eliminated from the system lifecycle.

Data Communications Analyst

Also called as Network Architects or Network Engineers they analyze, design, test and evaluate network systems such as LAN, WAN, intranet or other data communication systems. They set up user accounts assist them in diagnosing and solving data communication problems.